[Objective] To analyze the variation of runoff and sediment reductions of re-vegetation with different planting years in order to provide a scientific basis for allocating measures of grassland rationally further and studying the sustainability of ecological restoration on the Loess Plateau region. [Methods] A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively describe the effects of re-vegetation on runoff and sediment reductions by compiling eighteen papers. [Results] The vegetation of grassland planted for more than four years and woods and shrubs planted for more than five years had a stable benefit on runoff and sediment reduction with the increase of age, and the benefit remain at about 80%. Litters on the surface in the forest play an important role in promoting more runoff and sediment reductions. [Conclusion] In regard to the effects of water and sediment reduction of vegetation which were affected by many limiting factors, it can be divided into three stages as following: plant disturbance stage, soil and water conservation and moisture limited stage.